Stories

Tue, 01 Sep 2026

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 I climbed the career ladder and got my dream job at 30 - then I hit burnout

Just after Jo Hooper landed her dream role at 30, she struggled with burnout and had to take time off work.

* Jo Hooper, a former communications professional, experienced burnout after climbing the career ladder and working long hours.
* She was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and had to take time off work.
* Recent statistics show 22 million working days lost in Britain due to work-related stress.
* Burnout is recognized by the World Health Organization as a state of physical and emotional exhaustion, not just a mental health condition.
* Experts say that burnout can be caused by prolonged stress from any demanding role or responsibility, not just work-related tasks.
* Some workforces have raised concerns about staff members leaving jobs due to burnout, including midwifery and teaching.
* A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive said employers have a legal duty to protect workers from risk factors that cause work-related stress.
* The Welsh government is working with employers and trade unions to reduce pressures, support staff wellbeing, and ensure appropriate mental health support is available.